U.S. patent number 7,637,172 [Application Number 11/855,012] was granted by the patent office on 2009-12-29 for electronic device with speed measurement and output generation.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven M. Moran, Eric C. Ostendorff, Christopher Patrick Purcell, Glenn Yu.
United States Patent |
7,637,172 |
Yu , et al. |
December 29, 2009 |
Electronic device with speed measurement and output generation
Abstract
A speed measuring device with an output generating system is
disclosed. The output generating system can generate visual outputs
and/or audible outputs in response to a detected flow of air. The
device includes a coupling component that allows the device to be
wearable by a user.
Inventors: |
Yu; Glenn (San Marino, CA),
Purcell; Christopher Patrick (Westchester, CA), Ostendorff;
Eric C. (Torrance, CA), Moran; Steven M. (Woodland
Hills, CA) |
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc. (El Segundo,
CA)
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Family
ID: |
39187181 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/855,012 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080066560 A1 |
Mar 20, 2008 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60846009 |
Sep 19, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/861.65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
69/0028 (20130101); G01P 5/07 (20130101); A63B
71/06 (20130101); A63C 11/224 (20130101); G01P
1/08 (20130101); G01P 1/10 (20130101); G01P
5/06 (20130101); A63B 2071/0625 (20130101); A63B
2071/0663 (20130101); A63B 2208/12 (20130101); A63B
2220/13 (20130101); A63B 2220/16 (20130101); A63B
2220/30 (20130101); A63B 2220/40 (20130101); A63B
69/0093 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01C
22/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;73/861.5,182
;702/160,141 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1238041 |
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Jul 1971 |
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GB |
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2005009973 |
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Jan 2005 |
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JP |
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2005308483 |
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Nov 2005 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Allen; Andre J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Edell, Shapiro & Finnan,
LLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/846,009, entitled "Wearable Device Measuring Acceleration,
Displacement, Inclination, and Speed With Visual Display" and filed
on Sep. 19, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wearable electronic device configured to generate an output
based on the flow of air relative to the device, the device
comprising: a housing, the housing including a speed measuring
device and an output generating system, the speed measuring device
being configured to measure the relative speed of the air engaging
the speed measuring device, the output generating system being
configured to generate at least one output in response to the
measured relative speed; and a coupling structure, the coupling
structure being coupled to the housing, the coupling structure
being configured to be coupled to an object so that the housing can
be worn by a user.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the speed measuring
device includes a propeller and a sensor, the sensor being
configured to determine the rate of rotation of the propeller,
which corresponds to the speed of air engaging the speed measuring
device.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the sensor is an
optical sensor.
4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the sensor includes a
light emitter and a light receiver, the propeller includes several
blades, and the blades being disposed between the light emitter and
the light receiver so that the blades interrupt a beam of light
between the light emitter and the light receiver.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the output generating
system includes a visual output device and an audible output
device, each of the visual output device and the audible output
device generating an output in response to the speed of rotation of
the propeller.
6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the output generating
device is configured to generate a first output in response to a
first speed and a second output in response to a second speed, the
first output being different than the second output, and the first
speed being less than the second speed.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first output
includes a first audible output, the second output includes a
second audible output, the second audible output being different
than the first audible output.
8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein a pitch of the second
audible output is higher than a pitch of the first audible
output.
9. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first output
includes a first visual output, the second output includes a second
visual output, the second visual output being different than the
first visual output.
10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first visual
output includes at least one element and the second visual output
includes at least two elements.
11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first visual
output includes a first quantity of elements and the second visual
output includes a second quantity of elements, the first quantity
of elements being less than the second quantity of elements.
12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the speed measuring
instrument is an anemometer.
13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes
an upper portion and a lower portion, the output generating system
being disposed in the upper portion, and the speed measuring device
is disposed in the lower portion.
14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the coupling
structure is pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between a
clamping position and a receiving position, the coupling structure
being biased into the clamping position by a biasing member.
15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the coupling
structure includes a mounting portion releasably coupled thereto,
the mounting portion being configured to be secured to the
object.
16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the mounting portion
includes a first portion configured to be connected to the coupling
portion and a second portion configured to be secured to the
object, the first portion and the second portion being movably
connected together to allow relative positioning of the electronic
device relative to the object.
17. A wearable speed measuring device that generates an output
based on a flow of air, the device comprising: a body; an air flow
instrument, the air flow instrument being coupled to the body, the
air flow instrument being configured to determine the speed of a
flow of air relative to the device; an electronic system, the
electronic system being operatively coupled to the air flow
instrument, the electronic system including an output generating
device, the output generating device being configured to generate a
first output in response to a first speed of an air flow detected
by the air flow instrument and a second output in response to a
second speed of an air flow detected by the air flow instrument,
the first speed being different than the second speed, and the
first output being different than the second output; and means for
mounting the body, the means for mounting being coupled to the
body, the means for mounting being configured to couple the body to
an object.
18. The wearable speed measuring device of claim 17, wherein the
air flow instrument includes a rotatably mounted propeller and a
sensor, the sensor being disposed so that the sensor can determine
the speed of rotation of the propeller.
19. The wearable speed measuring device of claim 17, wherein the
sensor includes a light emitter that is configured to generate an
infrared light beam and a light detector that is configured to
detect a light beam, the light emitter and the light detector being
disposed on opposite sides of the propeller so that a portion of
the propeller passes between the light emitter and the light
detector and interrupts the light beam.
20. The wearable speed measuring device of claim 17, wherein the
first output includes a first audible output and a first visual
output, the second output includes a second audible output and a
second visual output, the first audible output being different than
the second audible output and the first visual output being
different than the second visual output.
21. A portable output generating device that generates audible
outputs in response to the flow of air relative to the device, the
device comprising: a housing, the housing being configured to be
coupled to an object so that the housing is supported by a user; an
air flow detector, the air flow detector being coupled to the
housing, the air flow detector being configured to measure the
speed of air flow relative to the housing; and an output generator,
the output generator being configured to generate different audible
outputs based on the different speeds of air flow measured by the
air flow detector.
22. The portable output generating device of claim 21, wherein a
volume of the audible outputs increases as the detected speeds
increase, and the volume of the audible outputs decreases as the
detected speeds decrease.
23. The portable output generating device of claim 21, wherein the
output generator is configured to generate visual outputs, each of
the visual outputs including at least one element, the quantity of
elements displayed by the output generator as a visual output being
determined by the detected speed of air flow.
24. The portable output generating device of claim 23, wherein the
quantity of elements displayed increases as the detected speed
increases and the quantity of elements displayed decreases as the
detected speed decreases.
25. The portable output generating device of claim 23, wherein each
of the elements includes a number, and the displayed elements are
displayed chronologically. Image Page 18
26. An electronic device wearable by a user, the electronic device
comprising: a speed measuring device configured to measure the
relative speed of the air engaging the speed measuring device; a
housing containing the speed measuring device; a coupling structure
coupled to the housing, the coupling structure enabling the housing
to be worn by a user; and an output generating system configured to
generate at least one output in response to the relative speed
measured by the speed measuring device.
27. The electronic device of claim 26, wherein the speed measuring
device includes a propeller and a sensor, the sensor being
configured to determine the rate of rotation of the propeller,
which corresponds to the speed of air engaging the speed measuring
device.
28. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the output
generating system includes at least one of a visual output device
and an audible output device, the at least one of the visual output
device and the audible output device generating an output in
response to the speed of rotation of the propeller.
29. A wearable speed measuring device, comprising: an air flow
device configured to detect a flow of air; an electronic system
connected to the air flow device, the electronic system including
an output generating device configured to generate different
outputs in response to different speeds of air flow detected by the
air flow device; and a clip coupled to the air flow device, the
clip being configured to be coupled to an object so that the air
flow device can be worn by a user.
30. The wearable speed measuring device of claim 29, wherein the
output generating device generates a first output in response to a
first air flow speed and a second output in response to a second
air flow speed, the second air flow speed being different than the
first air flow speed, the first output being a first audible
output, the second output being a second audible output, the first
audible output being different than the second audible output in at
least one of a pitch and a volume level.
31. The wearable speed measuring device of claim 29, wherein the
output generating device generates a first output in response to a
first air flow speed and a second output in response to a second
air flow speed, the second air flow speed being different than the
first air flow speed, the first output being a first visual output,
the second output being a second visual output, the first visual
output being different than the second visual output.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an electronic device that
generates visual and/or audible outputs in response to a
measurement of speed. In particular, this invention relates to an
electronic device with a component or system that can measure speed
based on a flow of air, and produce an output relating to the
measured speed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to wearable devices having motion
sensors that measure acceleration, displacement, inclination and/or
speed in at least one axis. For example, a wearable device may have
one or more of accelerometers, anemometers, and/or other motion
sensors, such as jiggle switches, to measure acceleration, speed,
inclination and/or displacement of a user in one or more axes. The
user, while wearing or carrying the device, also may be able to
read from a visual display a sensed motion, such as how high and
fast he or she jumped as well as his or her horizontal speed and
inclination. Results may also be read out to the user via a speaker
on the device.
Examples of anemometers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,753,
5,939,645, D461,421, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,895,812, and 6,847,437.
Examples of accelerometers are disclosed in Patent and Patent
Application Publication Nos. EP977974, WO9944016, WO02093272, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,805,006, 6,738,726, 6,604,419, 6,356,856, US
2003/0163287, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,805,006, 6,738,726, 6,604,419,
WO9858236, WO9854581, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,959,259, 6,885,971,
6,539,336, 5,899,963, US2006/0015287, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,092,846,
7,072,789, 6,959,259, 6,885,971, 6,375,572, 6,641,482, 6,200,219,
US2004/0029640, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,908,388, 5,602,566, US
2006/169044, US2006/155509, WO2006071708, U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,004,
WO2006004908, WO2005121810, WO2005121987, WO2005118086,
WO2005111960, US2005/242893, US2005/160816, US2005/139942,
US2005/160814, US2005/202585, WO2005048645, WO2004092746,
US2004/200281, WO2004088330, US2005132803, CN1673751, CN1664506,
WO2004073138, US2004202344, SG114631, US2004/020292, WO03016919,
US2003/036215, US2002/185699, US2002/174720, WO02103369,
US2002/189355, US2002/188416, US2002/2077568, US2003/063045,
WO0216150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,448, US2003/047002, EA2374, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,967,605, and EU0401635. Examples of motion sensors are
disclosed in Patent and Patent Application Publication Nos.
US2006/0025282, US2006/0064037, US2005/0287502, US2005/0038680,
US2002/0156351, US2001/0005772, US2004/0180708, US2005/0227811,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,007, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,446, U.S. Pat. No.
5,768,382, U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,622, US2005/0037844, U.S. Pat. No.
6,635,015, U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,449, U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,891,
WO98/50121, WO2006/033104, WO2005/059487, WO02/085140, and
WO01/87152. The disclosures of all of the patents, patent
applications, and publications recited herein are incorporated
herein by reference.
The advantages of the present invention will be understood more
readily after a consideration of the drawings and the Detailed
Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prototype of an exemplary
wearable device measuring acceleration, displacement, inclination
and/or speed which may be selectively displayed on a visual
display.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a user using the wearable device of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wearable device having motion
sensors along three axes.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of exemplary wearable devices having,
respectively, a jiggle switch and a propeller.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary wearable device next to embodiments
having a jiggle switch and a propeller.
FIGS. 6-8 are various views of the components of the wearable
device having a jiggle switch and a propeller.
FIGS. 9-12 are various views of the wearable device having the
propeller.
FIGS. 13-18 are various views of wearable device the having a
jiggle switch.
FIG. 19 illustrates a prototype of an exemplary wearable device
having the propeller.
FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
electronic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an
electronic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the electronic device
illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a side view of the electronic device illustrated in FIG.
21.
FIG. 24 is a front view of the electronic device illustrated in
FIG. 21.
FIG. 25 is a rear view of the electronic device illustrated in FIG.
21.
FIG. 26 is an alternative side view of the electronic device
illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 27 is a top view of the electronic device illustrated in FIG.
21.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the mounting portion of the
electronic device illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 29 is a side view of the mounting portion illustrated in FIG.
28.
FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the electronic device illustrated in
FIG. 21.
FIG. 31 is a front view of the electronic device illustrated in
FIG. 21 in a receiving configuration.
FIG. 32 is a front view of the electronic device illustrated in
FIG. 31 without a mounting portion.
FIG. 33 is a side view of the electronic device illustrated in FIG.
21 illustrating the coupling of the mounting portion on the
device.
FIG. 34 is an exploded assembly view of the electronic device
illustrated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 35 illustrates an embodiment of a visual output generated by
the electronic device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate different visual outputs generated by
the electronic device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 38 and 39 are exploded perspective and cross-sectional views
of an alternative embodiment of an electronic device according to
the present invention.
FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an electronic device according to the present
invention.
FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of
an electronic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an electronic device according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Children may find a device that is capable of telling them how high
they jump and how fast they go to be particularly enjoyable.
Additionally, children may enjoy a device that tells them their
inclination or tilt relative to the earth as they race around
corners or do tricks in the air while running, skateboarding,
snowboarding or other such activities. FIG. 1 illustrates a
wearable device 10 measuring one or more types or directions of
motion, such as acceleration, displacement, inclination and/or
speed with a visual display that may be made small in size,
sufficiently light in weight to be worn on a wrist, belt or foot.
Wearable device 10 may accordingly include a housing 12 having a
clip 14 adapted to clip the wearable device onto any object
selected by the user, such as a shoe, belt, watch band, or even an
object carried or used by the user, such as a bat, racket or
bicycle. The wearable device 10 may include an information system
16 supported in housing 12, with input devices 18, such as keys 20
for manually controlling operation of the information system, and
output devices 22, including an alphanumeric display 24 and a
speaker 26.
FIG. 2 illustrates a person wearing the wearable device 10 on her
belt or an article of clothing while performing skateboarding
stunts, such as jumping off of a ramp 28. As depicted, the wearable
device 10 may measure movement along one or more axes, such as
movement along the ground in a first or "X" direction, and may
measure travel vertically from the ground, or in the "Z" direction.
Additionally, the wearable device 10 may measure lateral motion,
such as inclination or tilt in a third or "Y" direction.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a wearable device 10 may include one or
more motion sensors. In this example device 10 includes an X-axis
motion sensor 30, a Y-axis motion sensor 31, and a Z-axis motion
sensor 32. Sensors 30, 31 and 32 may have outputs coupled to an
analog processor 34 that inputs the analog signals from the sensors
to an analog-to-digital converter 36. The converter then inputs a
digital signal representative of the analog signals into a
processor 38. The processor processes the motion information from
the sensors, storing the data in a memory 40. Memory also may store
instructions for operating the processor as well as other
permanently or temporarily stored data. Instantaneous and average
values may be produced.
The wearable device 10 may use a single motion sensor or a
combination of motion sensors to measure acceleration,
displacement, inclination, and speed. In one embodiment, one or
more accelerometers may be used to measure characteristics of
travel along one or more different axes. An example of a
commercially available dualaxis accelerometer that may be used in
device 10 is a 1.5 g Dual Axis Micromachined Accelerometer
available from Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. of Chandler, Ariz. An
example of a commercially available 3-axis accelerometer is the
SCA3000 Series 3-axis accelerometer available from VTI
Technologies, Inc. of Dearborn, Mich. Single-axis accelerometers
may also be used. Embodiments of the wearable device 10 that
include a 3-axis accelerometer may detect movement as well as
positioning against gravity force. For example, when rotated along
the X, Y, Z axes, the 3-axis accelerometer may produce an output
such that the position of the sensor with respect to the earth is
definable. Speed can be determined by integrating the acceleration
data, and distance can be determined by an integration of the
speed. Two and three dimensional sensing may thus be useful for
motions that are not restricted to motion along a single axis, such
as jumping while running or doing flips or turns while jumping,
skating, biking or boarding.
A further embodiment of the wearable device 10 may have other types
of motion sensors such as an anemometer, a jiggle switch or a sonic
sensor. The wearable device may have an anemometer alone or in
combination with an accelerometer or other motion sensor. For
example, FIGS. 4-7 show an anemometer 60 in combination with a
jiggle switch 64. The jiggle switch 64 is exemplary of a device
that can measure height. The anemometer 60 is exemplary of a device
that can be used to measure speed. In FIG. 4, the "A" arrow
designates an upward direction and the "B" arrow designates a
forward direction. FIGS. 8-12 show various views of an exemplary
propeller anemometer 60. FIG. 19 shows a prototype of an exemplary
wearable device having a propeller 62 to measure speed. Movement of
the wearable device, such as when the user is running, causes the
propeller 62 to rotate. Speed may be measured based on air flow
through a propeller 62 and may be proportional to the rate of
rotation of the propeller 62. The rate of rotation of the propeller
62 is converted into speed of travel. The rotation of the propeller
62 may be transduced into an electrical signal using an appropriate
rotation detector. For example, an IR beam that shines through the
blades with the spinning blades interrupting the beam may be
detected to produce a signal related to the rate of rotation. A
second possible mode of transduction may be the use of a magnet on
each propeller blade or vane, or a magnet attached to a rotating
shaft that supports the blades that moves past a fixed magnet.
In yet a further embodiment, the wearable device 10 may have a
motion sensor in the form of a jiggle switch. The wearable device
may have a jiggle switch alone or in combination with an
accelerometer, an anemometer, or other device. A motion-sensing
device with an exemplary jiggle switch is shown in association with
the motion-sensing device having an anemometer in FIGS. 4-7 and
alone in FIGS. 13-18. Referring to FIG. 14, the jiggle switch
circuit may be active when a circuit contact 42 is in contact with
a contact member 52. The circuit contact 42 may be mounted to a
pivotable member 44 and the contact member 52 may be mounted to a
stationary platform 54. During impact, for example when the user
jumps, the pivotable platform 44 is pivotable about pivot point 46
and thus able to open and close contact between circuit contact 42
and contact member 52. Vertical height may be determined based upon
the duration of "flight" from start of jump to landing based upon
time duration between successive activations of a jiggle switch and
the use of look-up tables that translate time into height. The
motion of the pivotable member 44 is further controlled by a
resilient spring 48 and a guide post 50. Spring 48 may bias
platform 44 and contact 42 away from contact member 52. In
additional embodiments, other sensors, such as ultra sonic sensors,
may be used to measure height jumped or distance from an
object.
Referring again to FIG. 3, input devices 18 may be used to input
information into the processor, such as user-specific information,
depending on the characteristics of the keys provided. Input
information may be based on menus displayed on display 24 or may be
provided by a more extensive keyboard, such as an alphanumeric
keyboard, not shown. Output during an activity or following
completion of an activity may then be provided to the user by way
of output devices 22. In particular, the current speed,
inclination, or a highest recent height may be output with a spoken
voice on speaker 26. Alphanumeric information may be displayed on a
display 24.
It is thus appreciated that wearable device 10 may be worn on the
belt or other position on a person or object, to obtain measurement
of both speed and vertical height jumped. These calculations may be
performed using the two axis or three axis acceleration sensors
(that measure acceleration at any given point). In alternative
embodiments these calculations may be preformed using one or more
motion sensors such as an anemometer, and/or a jiggle switch or
other motion sensor in place of or in addition to one or more
accelerometers shown in FIG. 3. Readings may be provided for both
forward and backward speed and height displacement.
During use, wearable device 10 may be worn on the user or an object
used by the user. When worn, the user can measure her or his speed,
inclination, and jumping height by placing the wearable device on a
foot or on any vehicle of his or her choice. The computed
information may be output in a fun toyetic (sound chip) way as to
encourage the user to beat his or her previous record. Outputs may
be provided by one or both of a digital readout as well as in the
form of sound (spoken information). In summary, then, the wearable
device may, for example, be capable of giving speed, inclination,
acceleration and/or height feedback, plus keeping track of new
records.
An embodiment of an electronic device that is configured to
generate an output in response to the flow of air relative to the
device is illustrated in FIG. 20, which is a schematic block
diagram. In this embodiment, the electronic device 70 includes a
housing 72 in which or to which the various components are coupled
or located. The housing 72 includes a speed measuring device 74.
The speed measuring device 74 can measure the movement and relative
speed of the device 70. The speed measuring device 74 is configured
to allow air to flow therethrough. The flow of air engages a
movable member 76 and causes it to move. The speed measuring device
74 includes a sensor 78 that can determine the movement of the
movable member 76. For example, the movable member 76 can be a
rotatably mounted propeller or impeller. As the housing 72 moves,
air flows into the speed measuring device 74 and engages the
propeller, which then rotates. In this example, the sensor 78 is
configured to calculate how fast the propeller is rotating. The
rate of rotation of the propeller is converted into a speed of
travel. As the propeller rotates faster, it is indicative of an
increased speed of air flowing relative to the device 70 which
translates to the housing 72, and a user, moving faster as
well.
In one embodiment, the sensor 78 can be an infrared sensor that
generates a beam that is broken or interrupted by the blades of the
propeller thus creating pulses of light that are received by a
sensor. The frequency at which the beam is interrupted is
indicative of the air flow speed. In another embodiment, the sensor
78 can be a Hall Effect sensor that cooperates with a magnet on the
propeller. The Hall Effect sensor senses how often a magnet on a
vane or portion of the propeller passes the Hall Effect device. The
speed measuring device can be referred to alternatively as an air
flow device, an air flow instrument, or other similar terms. The
electronic device can be referred to alternatively as an output
generating device or generally as a speed measuring device.
The electronic device 70 includes an output generating system 80
that is configured to generate and produce various outputs. The
output generating system 80 is operably connected to the speed
measuring device 74 such that information from the speed measuring
device 74 results in different outputs being generated. In one
embodiment, the output generating system 80 includes a visual
output device 82 and an audio output device 84. The visual output
device 82 can be a display, such as an LCD screen, that is
configured to generate visual outputs such as images or elements.
The elements can resemble speed bars and form a bar graph. The
audible output device 84 can be a speaker that is configured to
generate audible outputs such as sound effects, including sound
effects similar to the revving or running of a car engine.
In this embodiment, the housing 72 has a coupling structure 90
connected thereto. The coupling structure 90 is configured to
enable a user to mount or attach the housing 72 to an object so
that it is supported. The object can be a user, an article of
clothing or accessory worn or carry by the user, or another object
separate from the user. The coupling structure 90 includes a
coupling member 92 that is configured to support the housing 72. In
addition, the coupling structure 90 includes a mounting member 94
that can be releasably or fixedly connected to the housing 72 or
coupling structure 90. The mounting member 94 is configured to be
secured to an object. Exemplary embodiments of a coupling member 92
and a mounting member 94 are described in detail below. These
members 92 and 94 enable a user to use the electronic device 70 in
various locations and in various manners, thereby rendering the
device 70 portable and wearable. The device can be used to measure
the speed of kids running or on a bike, skateboard, etc. The
mounting member 94 can be used to mount the device to a bicycle
handlebar.
An embodiment of an electronic device according to the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 21-37. In this embodiment, the
electronic device 100 includes a housing or body 102 with an upper
portion 104, a lower portion 106, a front end 108, and an opposite,
rear end 110. Referring to FIG. 21, the lower portion 106 includes
a channel 142 in which a speed measuring device 140 is located. The
channel 142 is configured so that air can flow through the lower
portion 106 along the direction of arrow "A" from the front 108 to
the rear 110 of the device 100. The channel 142 is also configured
so that air can flow in an opposite direction along arrow "B" as
shown. Air flowing into the channel 142 engages the speed measuring
device 140 as described in detail below. The electronic device 100
includes an output generating system 120 that is configured to
generate various outputs based on the flow of air that is measured
by the speed measuring device 140.
Referring to FIGS. 22-30, several different views of this
embodiment of the electronic device 100 are illustrated. In FIG.
22, which is a top perspective view of device 100, some of the
components of the output generating system 120 of the device 100
are shown. The output generating system 120 includes an audible
output device 122, such as a speaker, that can be used to generate
and produce audible outputs such as sound effects. A speaker plate
124 with openings 126 can be provided in an opening of the body
102. The output generating system 120 also includes a visual output
device 128, such as an LCD screen, that can be used to generate and
produce visual outputs. The device 100 has an internal electronic
system that includes a conventional controller and memory unit that
are connected to the speaker 122 and the screen 128. The output
generating system 120 also includes buttons 130 and 132 that can be
actuated by a user to change the outputs of the device 100. The
electronic device 100 also includes a coupling structure 200 that
is used to couple or attach the device 100 to an object.
Referring to FIG. 23, a side view of the electronic device 100 is
illustrated. In this embodiment, the lower portion 106 includes a
main portion 141 and a rear portion 180 that is removably coupled
to the main portion 141 as discussed in detail below.
Referring to FIG. 24, a front view of the electronic device 100 is
illustrated. The electronic device 100 includes a coupling
component 200 that is movably coupled to the body 102. In this
embodiment, coupling component 200 is pivotally mounted to the body
102 and together with the body 102 forms a clamping mechanism that
allows a user to mount the electronic device 100 on an article such
as a strap or belt. The coupling component 200 is pivotally mounted
by a connector 230 and rotatable about an axis 232 defined by
connector 230 as shown in FIG. 24. The coupling component 200 can
be moved between a clamping configuration 252 (see FIG. 24) and a
receiving configuration 250 (see FIG. 32). In the receiving
configuration 250, the coupling component 200 is spaced apart from
the body 110 so that an article can be inserted therebetween. When
the coupling component 200 is released by the user, it returns to
its clamping configuration 252 and is secured to the inserted
article.
The electronic device 100 also includes a mounting portion 300 that
enables the device 100 to be secured to an article or object, such
as a rod or pole or bar. In this embodiment, the mounting portion
300 is removably coupled to the coupling portion 202 as described
below.
Referring to FIG. 24, some of the components of the speed measuring
device 140 are illustrated. In particular, the device 140 contains
a front housing portion 150 (best seen in FIG. 34) that includes
several openings 154 through which air can flow. The lower portion
106 also includes a light blocking member 178, the function of
which is described in detail below.
Referring to FIG. 25, a rear view of the electronic device 100 is
illustrated. As shown, the body 102 includes a switch 134 on a
lower surface proximate to the rear end 110 of the device 100. The
switch 134 is used to turn the device 100 on and off. The lower
portion 106 also includes a rear housing portion 152 that has
several spaced apart openings 156 formed therein. The openings 156
are configured to allow air to flow through the rear housing
portion 152. In this embodiment, the front housing portion 150 and
the rear housing portion 152 support a rotatably mounted propeller
therebetween. As air flows through the openings 154 and 156, the
air causes the propeller to rotate in the lower portion 106. The
rear portion 180 includes an inner surface 186 with an internally
projecting wall 188 that is used to maintain the rear housing
portion 152 within the lower portion 106. Several connectors 190
and 192, such as screws, are used to couple the rear portion 180 to
the main portion 141 of the lower portion 106.
Referring to FIG. 26, another side view of the electronic device
100 is illustrated. As shown, the mounting portion 300 is connected
to the coupling structure or component 200 of the device 100. The
mounting portion 300 includes a first portion 310 that is
configured to receive a portion of and be connected to the coupling
portion 202. The mounting structure 300 includes a second portion
330 that is configured to be coupled to an article or object. In
this embodiment, the first portion 310 and the second portion 330
are rotatably or pivotally coupled to each other. Accordingly, when
the second portion 330 of the mounting portion 300 is secured to an
object, the first portion 310 can rotate relative to the second
portion 330 so that the channel 142 is oriented in the desired
direction in which the air will be flowing. In other embodiments,
the first portion 310 and the second portion 330 may be fixed
relative to each other or may move in a manner different than a
rotating motion.
Referring to FIG. 27, a top view of the electronic device 100 is
illustrated. As shown, the device 100 includes an output generating
system or device 120. The system 120 includes a speaker with a
speaker plate 124 with openings 126 formed therein through which
audible outputs can be heard. As shown, the body 102 includes a
shoulder 118 projecting from one side. The shoulder 118 has a
through-hole (not shown) through which a connector such as a pin
may be inserted to mount the coupling portion 202 to the body
102.
Referring to FIGS. 28-31, an embodiment of the mounting portion 300
is illustrated and described. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the
mounting portion 300 has a first portion 310 and a second portion
330. As previously described, the first portion 310 is configured
to be connected to a portion of the electronic device 100 and the
second portion 330 is configured to be connected to a separate
article or object.
In this embodiment, the first portion 310 includes a body 312 that
has opposite ends 314 and 316. The body 312 also includes walls 318
that define a receptacle 320 near the bottom of which is an
inwardly extending projection 322. The walls 318 are configured to
have the same profile and shape as that of the coupling portion or
plate 202. In this embodiment, the walls 318 have a slightly
tapered configuration with surfaces 324 that form a notch 326
therebetween.
As shown in FIGS. 28-31, the second portion 330 includes a body 332
that has opposite ends 334 and 336. The body 332 has extensions 338
and 339 to which a latch member 340 is connected. As shown in FIG.
31, one end 342 of latch member 340 is pivotally coupled to
extension 338 by a connector 350, such as a pin or rod, which
defines a pivot axis 352. The opposite end 344 of latch member 340
is releasably coupled to extension 339 using a conventional
fastener 354, such as a screw. The latch member 340 is configured
to form an opening 360 between the latch member 340 and the body
332 of the mounting portion 330. The opening 360 is shaped to
receive an article or object such as a rod or a bar. A flexible
member such as a plastic or rubber strap 370 is disposed in the
opening 360. The flexible member 370 can have a textured surface
that enhances the frictional contact and the gripping of the object
to which the device 100 is secured. A user can remove the fastener
354, pivot latch member 340 about axis 352 and insert the article
or object to which the device 100 is to be mounted into the opening
360. Then the latch member 340 can be pivoted to a closed position
and the fastener 354 subsequently secured.
The electronic device 100 can be used with or without the mounting
component 300. In one exemplary use, a user can carry the
electronic device 100 around in his or her hand. In another
exemplary use, the electronic device 100 can be mounted on an
article or object using the coupling component 220. For example,
the user can couple the device 100 to an article of clothing or to
an accessory. Referring to FIG. 32, a user can apply a force
proximate to end 204 of coupling portion 202 to pivot the coupling
202 to the receiving configuration or position 250 as illustrated.
An object or article can be inserted into the area 260 created
between the inner surface 208 of the coupling portion 202 and the
body 102.
In another exemplary use, the electronic device 100 can be mounted
on an article or object using the mounting portion 300. Referring
to FIG. 33, the connection of the mounting portion 300 to the
coupling portion 200 is illustrated. The coupling portion 200
includes an outer surface 210 with a raised portion 217 with side
surfaces 218 and 220 that form recesses or recessed portions 222
and 224. The recesses 222 and 224 are configured to be engaged by
corresponding surfaces on the mounting portion 300. The coupling
portion 202 has an opening 216 into which the projection 322 of the
mounting component 300 is inserted or snapped into to secure the
portions 202 and 300 together. When the projection 322 is
disengaged from the opening 216, the portions 202 and 300 can be
separated.
Referring to FIG. 34, an exploded assembly view of the electronic
device 100 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the body 102 of the
device 100 is formed in two sections 112 and 114 which are coupled
together using fasteners, a snap-fit arrangement, and/or an
adhesive. The upper parts of the sections 112 and 114 form the
upper portion 104 and an interior region 116 in which electronic
components, including a power supply such as one or more batteries,
can be located. The upper surfaces of the sections 112 and 114
include recesses that form openings 113 and 115 in which the
speaker plate 124 and the display screen 128 can be disposed,
respectively. The front portion of the interior region 116 is open
and can be closed by a cover 136 that can be mounted to the body
102. The two lower parts of sections 112 and 114 collectively form
the main portion 141 of lower portion 106. The rear portion 180 can
be coupled to the main portion 141 as previously described. As
shown in FIG. 34, the inner surfaces 146 and 147 of the parts of
the lower portions include walls 148 and 149, respectively. In this
embodiment, walls 148 and 149 are integrally formed, such as by
molding, with the remainder of the respective section 112 or 114.
In other embodiments, the walls may be formed separately and
subsequently coupled to the respective inner surface using any
conventional technique.
The device 100 includes a speed measuring component or device 140.
In this embodiment, the speed measuring component includes a
propeller 160 and a sensor 170. The sensor 170 is an infrared light
sensor with a light emitter 172 that generates a light beam 176 and
a light receiver 174 that is positioned to receive or detect the
presence or absence of the light beam.
As previously described, the front housing portion 150 has several
openings 154 through which air can pass. Similarly, the rear
housing portion 152 has several openings 156 through which air can
pass. Propeller 160 is a molded plastic article that has several
blades 162 that are supported by a center portion 164. The center
portion 164 includes a central hole 166 through which a shaft 168
is inserted to movably mount the propeller 160 between the housing
portions 150 and 152. The air passing through openings 154 and 156
engages the blades 162 and causes the propeller 160 to rotate. As
the propeller 160 rotates, the blades 162 repeatedly interrupt the
light beam 176 of the sensor 170. The quantity and frequency of
interruptions of the light beam 176 can be determined and
correlated to an estimated speed of the air flow through the lower
portion 106. The number of pulses/interruptions detected by the
sensor correlates to a program that is written into a code of a
data table. The data table defines the relationship between the
quantity of pulses and air speed and sets forth the appropriate
audible and visual outputs to be generated. Air flow in either
direction through the lower portion 106 can cause the propeller 160
to rotate. The components of the sensor 170 are configured so that
the light beam 176 extends through one of the openings 154 and one
of the openings 156.
Also shown in FIG. 34 is the rear section 180 of the lower portion
106. The rear section 180 includes an inner surface 186 that
defines a passageway or channel 184. A wall 188 is formed that
retains the rear housing portion 152 in the lower portion 106. To
increase the accuracy of the detection of the light beam by the
sensor 170 and reduce the risk of errors due to ambient light,
light blocking members 178 and 182 are disposed proximate to
opposite ends of the speed measuring device 140. While light
blocking members 178 and 182 are illustrated as small plastic
pieces in this embodiment, the members can be made of any material
and can be formed in any size or configuration.
Also shown is an embodiment of the coupling portion 202. Coupling
portion 202 has ends 204 and 206 and an inner surface 208 that
includes several ribs 226 formed thereon. Proximate to lower end
206 is an opening 216 through which a projection 322 on the
mounting portion 330 can be inserted. The coupling portion 202 also
includes a projection 228 that has a curved shape and is oriented
inwardly. Projection 228 is used when securing the device 100 to an
object. The coupling portion 202 includes extensions 212, each of
which has a hole 214 through which a connector can be inserted to
pivotally mount the coupling portion 202 to the shoulder 118 on the
body 102. A biasing mechanism 240, such as a spring, biases the
coupling portion 202 into a clamping position toward the body
102.
An embodiment of a visual output or output display is illustrated
in FIG. 35. In this embodiment, the output display 400 includes a
mode portion 410 and a speed portion 420. The mode portion 410
includes a running mode indicator 412, a bike mode indicator 414,
and a record mode indicator 416. The speed portion 420 includes
several bars or elements 422. As illustrated, in this embodiment,
there are ten different bars or elements 422, each of which has a
different number located thereon. The elements 422 are illuminated
in chronological order as the speed (air flow) increases. Each of
the elements represents a particular speed range and indicates that
a certain speed level has been reached.
Referring to FIG. 36, an embodiment of a visual output is
illustrated. Visual output 450 is an exemplary visual output that
can be generated by the visual output device. Visual output 450
includes two elements that are displayed. Element 452 includes the
number 1 and element 454 includes the number 2. When the speed
measuring device 140 does not sense or detect any air flow, no
elements are displayed by the visual output device. As the
electronic device 100 starts to move, air begins to flow through
the measuring device 140 and the propeller 160 begins to rotate. As
the propeller 160 begins to rotate, element 452 is initially
displayed. As the rotation of the propeller 160 increases, and a
particular speed level is reached, element 454 is then displayed in
addition to element 452. The combination of elements 452 and 454
are indicative of a particular speed of the device 100 or air
flow.
Referring to FIG. 37, another embodiment of a visual display is
illustrated. In this embodiment, visual display 460 includes
several elements that are displayed. In particular, elements 462,
464, 466, 468, and 470 are displayed with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4,
and 5, respectively. Visual display 460 is indicative of a faster
movement of the device 100, or a greater speed or flow of air,
because it contains more elements than visual display 450. As the
device 100 moves faster from the speed indicated by visual display
450, element 466 (number 3) is displayed, element 468 (number 4) is
displayed, and then element 470 (number 5) is displayed. Additional
elements can be displayed as the propeller rotates faster, which
means that the device 100 is moving faster. As the device 100 slows
down, the flow of air through the lower portion 106 decreases and
the rotational speed of the propeller decreases. As a result, the
frequency at which the light beam is interrupted decreases and the
highest numbered element is removed from the display. As the device
slows, the next highest numbered element is no longer displayed.
Accordingly, as the air flow speed increases, additional elements
are displayed in chronological order. Similarly, as the air flow
speed decreases, elements are no longer displayed and are removed
in reverse chronological order.
In addition to the visual outputs described above, the output
generating system also generates audible outputs, such as sounds or
sound effects. In one embodiment, the audible outputs are sound
effects that resemble the revving and/or operating sounds of a
vehicle. When there is no air flow, the output generating system
does not generate any audible outputs. As the air flow starts, the
output generates sound effects at a low volume level. As the speed
of the air flow increases, the pitch of the generated sound effects
increases. As the speed of the air flow decreases, the pitch of the
generated sound effects decreases. As previously discussed, visual
output 450 is representative of a speed that is less than the speed
represented by visual output 460. Accordingly, the audible output
generated by the output generating system when visual output 460
(for a higher speed) is displayed is at a higher pitch than the
audible output generated by the output generating system when
visual output 450 (for a lower speed) is displayed. In other
embodiments, the volume of the generated audible output can change
either in addition to or instead of the pitch of the generated
audible output. Accordingly, the audible output generated by the
output generating system when visual output 460 is displayed is
louder than the audible output generated by the output generating
system when visual output 450 is displayed.
When button 132 is pressed, the device 100 begins a start-up
sequence and generates an audible output and displays the running
mode indicator 412. When button 132 is pressed again, a different
audible output is generated and the mode indicator changes from
running mode to cycling mode. At the same time, the running mode
indicator 412 is changed to the cycling mode indicator 414. In one
embodiment, when button 130 is pressed, an audible output is
generated and sequence of alternating combinations of elements is
displayed. In another embodiment, button 130 can be used for a
recording feature in which a certain level of audible output is
stored.
In other embodiments, the sizes, shapes and locations of the
elements displayed as a visual output can vary. The manner in which
the elements are displayed can also vary. For example, the elements
can be formed as a continuous bar that lengthens or shortens with
variations in speed. While the elements 422 in the illustrated
embodiment have different colors, the elements may be the same
color in other embodiments.
In one embodiment, the various components of the housing 102 and
the speed measuring device 140 are made of a molded plastic
material. In other embodiments, the materials of the components can
vary.
In different embodiments, the configuration of the electronic
device can vary. Several exemplary variations are illustrated in
FIGS. 39-42. In FIGS. 38-39, an embodiment of an electronic device
500 is illustrated. Device 500 includes a body 502 that is formed
of two sections 504 and 506. Each section includes a part that
forms part of the upper portion 508 of the body 502 and a part that
forms part of the lower portion 510 of the body 502. The sections
504 and 506 define an opening 512 into which a portion of an output
generating system 522 can be inserted. Device 500 includes a speed
measuring device 530 that includes a propeller 550 that is captured
between a front housing portion 532 with openings 534 and an inner
plate 540 with openings 542. The inner plate 540 is disposed and
retained within the channel 516. The front housing portion 532 is
coupled to the lower portion 510 of the body 502 using connectors
538 which secure tab 536 to tab 518 on each side of the device
500.
Another embodiment of an electronic device is illustrated in FIG.
40. In this embodiment, electronic device 600 has a body 602 that
is formed in two sections 604 and 606, which collectively define an
upper portion 608 of the body 602. The sections 604 and 606 define
an opening 612 into which a portion of an output generating system
622 can be disposed, such as a speaker grill. The device 600
includes a speed measuring device 630 that has a front section 632
with openings 636 and a rear section 634 with openings 638. A
propeller (not shown) is disposed between the front section 632 and
the rear section 634. Each of the sections 604 and 606 has a
surface 626 that defines a portion of an opening 628 into which
portions 640 and 642 of sections 632 and 634 are trapped and
retained when sections 604 and 606 are coupled together.
Another embodiment of an electronic device is illustrated in FIG.
41, in which a cross-section view is illustrated. In this
embodiment, electronic device 700 has a body 702 that defines an
upper portion 704 and a lower portion 706. The lower portion 706
includes a plate 710 that is integrally formed with the lower
portion 706. The plate 710 includes openings (not shown) through
which air can flow. A propeller 720 is rotatably mounted to the
plate 710. A cap 730 is slid into the channel 704 of the lower
portion 706 and the shaft 722 on which the propeller 720 is mounted
is coupled thereto. The cap 730 is then secured in the lower
portion 706.
Another embodiment of an electronic device is illustrated in FIG.
42. In this embodiment, electronic device 800 includes a body 802
with a first section 804 with an upper portion 806 and a lower
portion 808 and a second section 805 with its own upper portion 810
and lower portion 812. The upper portion 806 defines a recess 814
and an opening 815 into which an output generating system 816 can
be inserted. The output generating system 816 includes a visual
output device 820 and an audible output device 822 that is
proximate to a speaker grill 824. The second section 805 includes a
recess 826 that accommodates a portion of the output generating
system 816. A cover 828 can be mounted to the second section 805 to
close the interior region. A propeller 830 can be mounted in and
secured to lower portions 808 and 812.
While embodiments of a wearable device for measuring acceleration,
displacement, inclination, and speed and methods of performing
activities using such a wearable device have been particularly
shown and described, many variations may be made therein. This
disclosure may include one or more independent or interdependent
inventions directed to various combinations of features, functions,
elements and/or properties. Such variations, whether they are
directed to different combinations or directed to the same
combinations, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in
scope, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of
the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are
illustrative, and no single feature or element, or combination
thereof, is essential to all possible combinations that may be
claimed in this or a later application. No invention described
herein necessarily encompasses all features or combinations
described. Where "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof
is recited, such includes one or more such elements, neither
requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further, ordinal
indicators, such as first, second or third, for identified elements
are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate a
required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a
particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise
specifically stated. While the invention has been described in
detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will
be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention
covers the modifications and variations of this invention.
* * * * *